Category: The Walk

I felt exhilarated from running so fast. It had been years since I had gone full-bore like that. It was a cool, crisp morning and the sun had just peaked over the horizon. My lungs burned from the cold air that was invading them.

It was one of the most vivid dreams I have ever had.

And then something woke me up.

As I stirred into consciousness it only took me a second or two to realize I was in a medical crisis.

My heart was chugging along at a horrific speed, and it was skipping a lot of beats to try to keep up with the demand. I was short of breath, and instantly terrified. I stumbled out of bed and out my bedroom door to see if anyone was home. My son, Zach, came out of his room at the same time and knew immediately that I was in trouble.

“911, what is your emergency?”

“I think I’m having a heart attack…“

Saying those words sent a shiver through me. It was surreal. And waiting for that ambulance was the longest 7 minutes I’ve ever had to endure.

My wife had walked to work that morning. My daughters were at school. I hadn’t seen my older kids in Atlanta in two years. I had no chance to tell them goodbye. Was this the end of my time here? My life’s purpose and accomplishments felt so incomplete in that moment. I still had so much to do.

I’ve attached a great amount of importance on accomplishing things for the kingdom of God, in doing God’s work. And as I contemplated my life in those fleeting moments that day I wondered how badly I had failed to accomplish the things God had put me in this world to do. But one thing stood out more than anything else that crossed my mind during that frightening ordeal. I haven’t loved others enough. I haven’t loved my neighbors nearly enough.

I’m happy to report that I was diagnosed with a very treatable condition. I was only in the hospital for 24 hours, and with the help of some simple meds, I’m healthy as a horse again.

But I didn’t come away from this experience unchanged. I believe the Lord wanted this condition out in the open so it could be dealt with accordingly. But I also believe it was a wake up call for me.

Don’t waste a minute of your lives. I won’t waste another minute of mine.

“Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” James 4:13, 14

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” – Matthew 5:43-45

Praying for my enemies is one thing – but to love them? This stands in the face of what the world teaches. It goes against my self-preserving instincts, and my most natural gut-reactions. Yet, curiously, it’s something I find myself longing to do on an ever-increasing basis. I never would have imagined I would be able to wrap my head around this verse in the bible. It was one of those “yeah, but” verses for me for years. So I’m very thankful to see this fruit beginning to grow in my life.

Lord, what act of radical grace can I give to an enemy this week? Please show me, and give me the courage to follow through in obedience.

I’m ringing my hands a lot. I feel alone, and distressed. Everywhere I turn there are major issues and concerns. A heavy weight of burden is laying over my spirit, and I am overwhelmed.

Finances | Family unrest | Wife’s job | Health | Global catastrophes

It’s difficult to find faith at times like this. It’s hard to see beyond the stress and fix my gaze on the Lord. But I know it’s what I must do. It’s what I am doing.

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Isn’t there more to life than food and more to the body than clothing? …” – Matthew 6:25-30

“The Lord your God is with you,
he is mighty to save.
He will take great delight in you,
he will quiet you with his love,
he will rejoice over you with singing.”

– Zephaniah 3:17

The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the Alpha and the Omega, the Great I Am, the Creator of EVERYTHING… rejoices and sings over ME?! How do I wrap my head around this one? It’s one of the most overwhelming things I have ever thought of or felt.

A lot of our women were out at the coast on a Women’s Retreat this weekend, including my wife LeAnn, who normally co-leads the worship services with me. So today was a bit different than usual. But it turned out great! It was a dynamic set, and even though we had fewer people in church today, due to the retreat, the worship was awesome.

We introduced a new song, Hiding Place by the Desperation Band and Jared Anderson. I think the church really liked it. Very nice addition to our rotation!

What music did you guys worship with this morning? Please comment below!